Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Asher Knight

Emerging pop artist Asher Knight is on the fast track to success. In his young career, he’s written alongside greats such as James Blunt and graced the stage with The Vamps, Boyzone, Will Young, and Olly Murs. His debut EP, Step Back, dropped in March 2019 and quickly amassed over 350,000 streams on Spotify. This October, he continues his fast rise with the inspiring single “I’ve Changed,” which documents Asher’s journey of self-discovery. Pop Culturalist caught up with Asher to chat about “I’ve Changed” and his exciting year.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Asher: Accidentally. I went to a performing arts school and never intended on singing, but my teacher forced me into it one day. I sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. From that moment, I fell in love with music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Asher: The biggest influences in my career have been the people I surround myself with. My mentor, CeCe Sammy, who has worked on X Factor, The Voice, etc., has helped me from day one. She introduced me to my choreographer, Travis Payne, who choreographed for Michael Jackson for many years. They both taught me different things about vocals and performance, but then CeCe threw me into situations where I learned amazing things. The big push I had come mainly from the work ethic that my family instilled in me. I always push to be the best I can be.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Asher: Performing at Manchester Arena! I saw my first-ever concert there, which was Miley Cyrus, and I remember looking up and saying, “Wow! I wish I could do that one day.” Then when I did it, I saw people around my age, and I thought to myself, I hope they are thinking the same thing about me.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “I’ve Changed.” What inspired the track?
Asher: The song is all about the change we make in our lives, where we discover who we are as a person, and sometimes people don’t like it, but you have to be true to yourself. For me, I was bullied and became really shy and unconfident, but when I found music that started to change. I remember telling people I would like to go do pop music, and people didn’t like that, but I knew it was my dream and I kept going. Now I am happy with who I am and not ashamed.

PC: You just wrapped up your tour with Will Young. What was the biggest takeaway from that experience?
Asher: Will was an amazing person! We had so many discussions about music, life, and many other things, so my biggest takeaway was that I can mess up. I am hard on myself, and I will always be my worst critic, but I had to learn that it’s OK to make a mistake. At the end of the tour, I was ill and barely had a voice, but I kept going, and on one show I forgot the name of my song. I mentioned it to Will, and we both laughed because it’s OK. He helped me realize that fully.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the end of 2019 into 2020?
Asher: I have been touring for the past year and a half, and during that whole time, I have been inspired by a million things. The first thing I am doing is going into the studio to write new music. Releasing some new music and going on tour again are the main plans for the rest of the year and next year.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Asher: Linkin Park! I love a bit of rock music!

PC: First album you bought?
Asher: Cheryl Cole

PC: First concert you attended?
Asher: Miley Cyrus! It’s my favorite of all time because it was my first.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Asher: Beyoncé. The album was full of songs that I can relate to every day, and when I was sixteen, I heard it for the first time and thought, Wow!

PC: Someone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Asher: So many to choose, but Taylor Swift. Her lyrics are just amazing!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Asher: Always aim big so Wembley Stadium. I have been able to do so many great venues but that would be an amazing experience.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Asher: A good book! I love learning new things, so I carry around a few books always.

To keep up with Asher, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “I’ve Changed” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.